The smash hit “A Steady Rain” by Keith Huff has been launched for a third run at John Kirby’s Studio in Los Angeles. This sensational play has sold out night after night, after stirring up a buzz in Hollywood.
Keith Huff’s incredible play is directed by premiere acting coach, John Kirby, the “Angel” of Hollywood. “A Steady Rain” took us on unexpected emotional ride, one that includes disfunction, betrayal, and turmoil.
Photo credits: Adam Ikaika
Huff’s play gave us a an intimate look into the complicated lives of police officers, and the temptations that can afflict them.
Synopsis
Keith Huff’s, A SteadyRainis a gritty, darkly poetic duologue about two Chicago police officers whose inner need to serve and protect consumes them — and ultimately, rips them apart.RJ DeBard(The Commission, Remnant, God Shots) and Andy Hoff(Mad Men, NCIS, NCIS LA, Lethal Weapon,Justified, How I Met Your Mother, A Perfect Getaway)star as partners on the police force who share a lifelong friendship that is tested after terrible decisions are made. Chaos spins their lives and careers out of control.
Joey (Hoff) and Denny (DeBard) are lifelong friends and Chicago cops who reach a career stalemate. Joey lives in a simple apartment and has a drinking problem. Denny is married with two kids and dominates the dysfunctional friendship. His abusive tendencies, push the ones he love most emotionally to the edge.
When a domestic disturbance call takes a huge twisted turn, a severe lapse in judgement begins to unravel their trust and loyalty. Told entirely by the two characters, this story rips, seamlessly, between individual recounting and live action. It’s increasingly apparent, however, that the two sides of their story don’t add up.
Photo credits: Adam Ikaika
The brotherhood and bond between these two lifetime friends is simply unbreakable…
Denny (DeBard) lives on the edge, patrols and maintains civilian peace, in the most “unethical” way. He transitions steadily and his conflicted character transcends. Denny is volatile, explosive, and unpredictable. His performance kept the audience captivated. His wide acting range was phenomenal.
Joey (Hoff) is straight laced and watches the turmoil unfold from the sidelines. He is sensible and poised, and what I would consider a “typical cop.” He is also deeply conflicted and battles his own inner demons. Hoff’s execution was brilliant and believable.
The direction by John Kirby and execution of this piece was exceptional…
Bravo! “A Steady Rain” is a MUST-SEE
Be prepared to laugh, shed lots of tears, and be blown away!
The small theater seats 40. Performances ofASteadyRain willtake place thisFridayandSaturday@8 p.m.andSundayat7 p.m., and has NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 20th! Tickets are$20. TheJohn Kirby Studiois located at1510 N. Las Palmas Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90028. For reservations and information, call (323) 467-7877or go to steadyrain.brownpapertickets.com.
Written byKeith Huff
Directed byJohn Kirby
StarringRJ DeBardandAndy Hoff
Scenic Design by Mike Flannery
Lighting Design by Donny Jackson
Sound Design by Aaron Lyons
Produced byAndy Hoff and Nathan Nesbitt
Last week we hit the red carpet for “The Beguiled” movie premiere in Los Angeles, California. The hashtag of the night was #VengefulBitches. It was no surprise because this new juicy thriller is disturbing, provocative, and suspenseful…
Directed by Sofia Coppola, this drama takes place in Virginia during the Civil War. A young girl ventures out into the woods to collect mushrooms and finds a wounded Union soldier under a tree. At first, the film feels much like a historical drama, then this hair-raising story takes unexpected twists and turns.
This new thriller hits select theaters June 23rd.
Thank you Focus Features for inviting us to The Beguiled Movie Premiere. All opinions are my own.
The Beguiledis an atmospheric thriller from acclaimed writer/director Sofia Coppola. The story unfolds during the Civil War, at a Southern girls’ boarding school. Its sheltered young women take in an injured enemy soldier. As they provide refuge and tend to his wounds, the house is taken over with sexual tension and dangerous rivalries, and taboos are broken in an unexpected turn of events.
Photo credit to Focus Features
Quentin Tarantino and other Hollywood celebs showed up to the premiere to support Coppola’s new film. “The Beguiled” is a recreation of the 1971 film, originally starring Clint Eastwood.
Producer Youree Henley said, “It’s a really fun movie to watch especially with an audience. When people feel like they are given permission collectively to laugh, or sigh, or to feel that experience. It’s very quiet sometimes and then it gets very broad in the best sense.”
We laughed, cringed, and gasped while watching the film. The story took us on an emotional voyage, much like Henley described in our interview.
Photo credit to Focus Features
Miss Martha (Nicole Kidman), is elegant and poised. She reluctantly helps the wounded solider. Kidman’s beauty and demeanor transforms as her attraction grows for McBurney.
Photo credit to Focus Features
Corporal McBurney’s (Colin Farrell) character is rugged, charming, and magnetic much like Eastwood in the original film. The attractive soldier has an thick Irish brogue. He distracts the girls from their daily routine, which causes disruption in the school.
Edwina (Kirsten Dunst) portrays a quiet composed teacher who also falls hard for the Union Soldier. She is determined to be by his side.
Alicia (Elle Fanning) is a young wild seductress. Things definitely heat up with Elle and McBurney, and the love triangle becomes chaotic and extremely complicated.
Emma Howard (Emily) looked gorgeous in red at the premiere. This is her first feature film.
As the story unfolds, these young girls reveal a dark vindictive side. Addison Riecke is sweet “Marie” in the film.
The six pound pie baked by Chef Casey Thompson was the perfect dessert for “The Beguiled” themed dinner party.
I grew up in the 70’s watching actress Lynda Carter in the Wonder Woman hit series on ABC. She was an icon for my generation, and the epitome of intelligence, strength, and beauty. After watching an episode, I often would spin in my living room to transform into Wonder Woman and would reenact one of her battle scenes. I felt invincible and strong. There is a new heroine in town, and she will not disappoint fans…
On June 2nd, the new Wonder Woman Movie will hit theaters with a bang!
Actress Gal Gadot had large shoes to fill when taking on this leading female role. I admit I was a little skeptical before screening this film, but Gadot’s performance blew me away…
My daughter and I were thrilled to get an exclusive interview with Gal Gadot and Director Patty Jenkins earlier this month.
This is a sponsored post. Thank you Warner Bros for inviting my daughter and I to screen Wonder Woman and interview Gal Gadot and Patty Jenkins . All opinions are my own.
This film is long overdue, and I am thrilled that there is a new badass female hero for a new generation!
About The Movie
Power of a goddess. Heart of a hero. Gal Gadot is #WonderWoman
From Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment comes the epic action adventure starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright, directed by Patty Jenkins.
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American Pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers… and her true destiny.
My daughter applauded and cried tears of joy after screening this film. She sat front and center as she waited to meet Gal Gadot.
Question: So, what do you feel is the most important part of being Wonder Woman?
Ms. Gal Gadot: “Well, I think that it’s so important that we show a strong female figure and that we show her story. I think that me growing up, I could go and watch Superman or Batman, but I never had a strong female figure that really inspires me to look up to. And I think that this movie is so important for all of you young girls and also for boys, as well. I’ve seen many boys dressed as Wonder Woman.
And I think that what’s so beautiful about this character is that she’s very universal. Everyone can find something that he likes for himself about the character. And she stands for beautiful things, for love and for acceptance and compassion and truth, and these values are very important, especially nowadays.
And I think that, if we expose our kids to more of a goodness, then they will become greater. We’ll have a better society.”
Question: I was wondering, so I love Robin Wright, and I think you guys were just so amazing together. And the scenes on the island were incredible. How did you do that, and how did everyone train for that? It was unbelievable?
Ms. Patty Jenkins: “Well, I don’t even know where to begin because it was actually so complicated. To try to build all of the things you need to make this island in the history of Wonder Woman which is always an idealized place that happens to be populated by all of these women but is very real.
And so, it was a visual struggle to find all of the elements to put together to say that almost feels real. But, then to find the greatest women you could. What was cool about it was I’ve grown up knowing so many incredible women and so many incredible people. So, when you try to represent that in an island made up of only women, you end up pulling together so many different interesting people. Some are great at horse riding. Some was the greatest boxer in the world. Someone else is an incredible artisan.
And you end up with such a broad variety of people, and then you want to establish a world where they’re all one.
And so, we found these incredible women. They turned out to be such a broad variety of people, but, we needed the one who knew how to ride a horse to also know how to fight and the one who knew how to fight to know how to ride a horse. And so, we had to do this boot camp for months where each of them worked together every day to learn those other things.
And it turned into this incredibly inspiring cool thing because they all became really tight and really great friends, and how they approach things is slightly different than they might have if they were alone or not together. So, it was really awesome. It was great, and Robin was amazing.”
Ms. Gal Gadot: “It was.”
Question: So, what does it mean for both of you guys to be leading this representation for young girls? I grew up not really seeing anybody on screen to be like that’s who I want to be, that’s who I look up to. And now, my daughter has you.
Ms. Gal Gadot: “It’s amazing, it’s amazing, and I’m so touched by it. It’s funny because it’s my first time seeing girls that actually saw the movie.
And it’s just so moving for me. And your reaction means the world because this is why we make these movies. This is why it’s worth, so I’m very, very happy, and I’m so glad that you all love the movie.”
Ms. Patty Jenkins: “Yes. And for me, when I was a kid, I saw Superman, and it made me feel like I could be a hero one day, and it’s lasted with me ever since and is one of the reasons I’m here today. But, it wasn’t until I saw the show of Wonder Woman on TV, which happened around the same time, when I was Wonder Woman on the playground, I was everything I ever wanted to be.
So, sometimes, we”ve had these moments where we’re like, oh, my God, the idea that we could be a part of kids’ lives in that way is so beautiful and overwhelming, and we hope to give what we were given by other people.”
Ms. Gal Gadot: “Exactly.”
Thank you to Patty Jenkins for creating this wonderful film. I am grateful that you are showing our girls that having strength and brains is a winning combination.
This film has been rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content
Note* The fight scenes my be intense for younger viewers.
The new Wonder Woman Movie empowers and inspires young girls to be leaders in their communities. Girls need to know they can conquer anything that comes their way. They can be the voice for the voiceless, change they wish to see, and most importantly be their own kind of superhero.
Opening night of “The Bodyguard” the musical, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in OC was a night to remember. My childhood friend and I shared a lovely evening with music that evoked nostalgic memories of our youth… This incredible musical brought us back to our High School years with classic songs like, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “One Moment In time.”
Thank you Segerstrom Center Of the Arts for the complimentary tickets to see The Bodyguard Musical. All Opinions are my own.
– Photo by Joan Marcus
This touring adaptation of the 1992 film has been transformed into a sensational musical! “The Bodyguard” is about taking chances in love and the unfortunate price of stardom. It is suspenseful, romantic, and dramatic…
Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including “So Emotional,” “One Moment in Time,” “Saving All My Love,” “Run to You,” “I Have Nothing,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and one of the biggest selling songs of all time – “I Will Always Love You.”
– Photo by Joan Marcus
Deborah Cox is pitch-perfect and brings back timeless love songs back to life. “Run to You” and “I Will Always Love You” is celestial. I was lip singing during the entire show…
Judson Mills is stoic and convincing, but also charming. He is a total stud in his role as Frank Farmer “The Bodyguard.”
The choreography is upbeat and we wiggled in our seat to the music during the show.
Backstage with Deborah Cox and Judson Mills
The show ended with a standing ovation and the audience stood up and danced! We laughed, cried, and lip sang… My girlfriend and I talked about the unforgettable music and reminisced about our first loves on our way home.
– Photo by Joan Marcus
“The Bodyguard” is at Segerstrom Center for the Arts until June 11th. Please be advised that it contains strong language and mature themes. Thank you Segerstrom for inviting us to see the show! For more information, please visit their website at www.scfta.org.
THE BODYGUARD
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Tickets – Start at $29 In person
Segerstrom Hall May 30 – June 11, 2017
Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. The role of Rachel Marron will be played by Jasmin Richardson at the Saturday matinee and Sunday evening performances. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, June 10, 2017 will include audio description, open captioning and sign language interpretation.
Ahoy mates! Are you a Pirates Of The Caribbean fan?
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales has hit theaters and will not disappoint moviegoers. This new film is full of surprises and is a MUST-SEE!
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is back in his signature role, doing his piratical mischief. Depp’s humor is salty and entertaining as ever!
Thank you Disney for inviting me to screen Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. All opinions are my own.
Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.
Photo credit to Disney
In this new adventure, Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem) plans to get hold of Jack Sparrows compass in attempt to order to break “dammed the eternity curse” as a ghost curse… This however, can only be accomplished by possessing the Trident of Poseidon.
Bardem’s creepy portrayal of Captain Salazar is on point, but also hard to watch with black goo continuously dripping out of his mouth.
Photo credit to Disney
Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario) is brilliant in this female kick ass role! She’s a fearless rebel that keep her mates on their toes. (love her)
Photo credit to Disney
Henry (Brenton Thwaites) is a charming sailor is on a mission and desperate to free his father Will Turner, (Orlando Bloom) from his below-sea curse.
The CGI in this movie is extraordinary, and the parting of the sea scene was jaw dropping.
This movie is swashbuckling, romantic, and full of adventure. It’s everything you could want in a Pirate film…
Go see “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” now in theaters!
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS- The Musical is has arrived at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and runs now through May 7, 2017.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.
Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014/15 season.
Thank you Segerstrom Center for the Arts for the complimentary tickets. All Opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
A classic is born! AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is sensational and it transported me into a world filled with romance, friendship, music, art, and ballet.
My mother has a great appreciation for classic music and theater, and I knew I had to take her to see this show. I’m thrilled that we got to spend quality time and experience the magic together.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
The choreography was extraordinary and executed in true art form.
My mom raved about the costumes and the set design. She was born in the nineteen thirties, and she said that the show was accurate and true to the era.
Photo credit to Segerstrom Center
The dreamlike scenes were flawless and continuously changing. We were often mesmerized and lost in a trance during the show.
The “I Got Rhythm” performance was astounding (my favorite part of the show) It is no surprise this new musical received fourteen Tony nominations.
Bravo! The audience gave the talented cast a standing ovation. This musical is simply wonderful and a MUST-SEE!
An American In Paris will be in town now through May 7, 2017!
“An American in Paris is a triumph! Pure joy!” – New York Times
“Once you’ve seen it, you’ll find it hard to settle for less ever again.” – The Wall Street Journal
Running time (approximate): 2 hours and 33 minutes
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS – THE MUSICAL
April 25th to May 7th
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
(714) 556-2787
SCFTA.org
On April 21st Earth Day, Disneynature will release their new documentary, Born In China. The best film makers and cinematographers in the world, have collaborated on a film that follows three animal families and other rare species. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to screen this film before its release date. This extraordinary new film will definitely capture the hearts of animal lovers from around the world.
Born in China is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman.
Thank you Disneynature for inviting me to screen “Born In China.” All opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Disneynature
Movies can move us in many ways. They can inspire us, motivate us, and encourage us. Disneynature has created a film, that will have a long-lasting impact and will surely become a family favorite….
This sensational film has stunning cinematography and navigates through a vast terrain, from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest, on the wings of a red-crowned crane, seamlessly tying the extraordinary tales together.
Disney is the master of storytelling. Narrator John Krasinski, tells this story in a way that is endearing and easy for children to understand.
Disneynature, in its ongoing quest to bring the natural world to the big screen as never before, presents its most ambitious project to date, taking moviegoers on a grand journey into the wilds of China. “Born In China” follows the adventures of three animal families — the majestic panda, the savvy golden monkey, and the elusive snow leopard. As you watch this film, these beautiful creatures are followed and filmed during the Winter, Spring, and Fall seasons. These animals face harsh weather conditions and scarcity of food.
Meet the Animals
Photo credit to Disneynature
Once YaYa has completed her morning chores, she returns to focus on her adorable newborn daughter, MeiMei. This film highlights the relationship between mom and cub, but also showcases the family dynamics between the father and siblings.
Photo credit to Disneynature
Say hello to Tao Tao!
Monkeys have long been seen as figures of rebellion and mischief in Chinese folk tales. And one of the most mischievous monkeys on this mountain is TaoTao. This adorable two year old is has a huge personality. I laughed when this little one was up to no good with his friends, “The Lost Boys.”
It was so sweet to see his family united and protecting one another. They often worked together to survive.
Photo credit to Disneynature
And finally, meet Dawa a strong protective Mama. She and her cubs fight to survive in extreme weather conditions. As I watched this film, there were many heart wrenching moments that moved me.
I was truly captivated by this film. I left wondering what the fate of these animals would be… After watching this film, I have a greater appreciation for wildlife. This documentary was both educational and inspirational. This film is rated G and is wonderful for the entire family.
During Born In China’s opening week (April 21-27, 2017) film proceeds will benefit the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Based on opening-week attendance, Disneynature, via the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the WWF to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards in China.
I love scary spine-chilling films that keep me on the edge of my seat. Earlier this month, I screened a new upcoming Warner Bros. movie called, “Unforgettable.” This new seductive thriller screams sex, lies, and insanity… My kind of movie!
Thank you Warner Bros. for inviting me to screen this film. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Katherine Heigl stars as Tessa Connover, who is barely coping with the end of her marriage when her ex-husband, David (Geoff Stults), becomes happily engaged to Julia Banks (Dawson)-not only bringing Julia into the home they once shared but also into the life of their daughter, Lilly (Isabella Rice). Trying to settle into her new role as a wife and a stepmother, Julia believes she has finally met the man of her dreams, the man who can help her put her own troubled past behind her. But Tessa’s jealousy soon takes a pathological turn until she will stop at nothing to turn Julia’s dream into her ultimate nightmare.
Julia Banks (Rosario Dawson) is happily engaged to David (Geoff Stults). This optimistic bright eyed woman, leaves her past behind for a new start, in a new town.
Dawson is sexy and fierce and in her role as Julia. There are many twists in turns in this movie that kept me intrigued while screening this film…
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros
What secrets does Julia hold in her past that can jeopardize her future with David?
You have to watch this movie to find out!
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
I cringed when Tessa (Heigl) made unbearable twisted B*#@TCH moves on Julia, David’s bride to be….
Katherine Heigl brilliantly executed the role of Tessa, a narcissistic bitter ex wife, with MAJOR control issues.
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
A mother’s bond with her child is like no other. So when Tessa has to leave her daughter with her ex hubby and his fiancé, she takes “CRAZY” to entirely whole new level…
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
Isabella Kai Rice who stars as sweet Lily, is caught in the middle of this stressful family feud.
Rice perfectly portrayed the role of a broken and conflicted child.
Photo credit to Karen Ballard- Warner Bros.
This movie was suspenseful, insane, and a powerful portrayal of jealousy gone mad…..
Move over Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction), there is a new “Femme Fatale” in town!
Unforgettable is a MUST SEE! Go see it in theaters April 21st.
The City of New Orleans is a colorful, festive, and one of my favorite places to visit in the South. The food is unique, and has distinct flavors that are forever embedded in my memory book. After traveling and eating my way through “The Big Easy,” I have a whole new level of appreciation for Cajun cuisine. I was thrilled to discover that I don’t have travel far for the authentic flavors of the South. Reel Cajun Restaurant & Bar is now open in Garden Grove….
This month, I hit up this awesome spot with my foodie pals. We were blown away by the fresh selection of crawfish, crab, shrimp, and fish. Everything on menu was OMG delicious. This little hole in the wall is a Cajun food gem!
Thank you Reel Cajun Restaurant & Bar for inviting me to try your Southern Cajun Cuisine. All opinions are on my own.
Reel Cajun is casual and kid friendly…
Score! I love places like this where I can unwind, eat good food, and enjoy a cold beer.
The menu has a variety tasty options and the prices are reasonable.
My favorite items on the menu were the garlic noodles with kielbasa and shrimp, boudin balls, and the crawfish. The cajun fries were also delicious..
Don’t forget the yummy sauces to dip everything in!
Dipping Sauces:
Creole Mustard
House Sauce
Crawfish Dip
Tarter Sauce
Spicy Ranch
Spicy Remoulade
The flavors at Reel Cajun are bold and authentic. The Gumbo was delish and had just the right amount of spice….
The Shrimp Brochette was wrapped bacon, and filled with jalapeños, mozzarella cheese, and served with cajun fries- SO GOOD!
The service was great and the staff was friendly…If you are in the Garden Grove area, this is a great spot to eat. Check out their Facebook page for daily specials..
When I heard Marc Webb was directing a new film called Gifted, I immediately knew it was a must see. My girls and I are huge fans of his work (500 Days of Summer & The Amazing Spider-man), and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to screen it. I also made my way to Beverly Hills to interview the cast of this wonderful film.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network. All opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
Marc Webb has delivered another masterpiece, and it’s no surprise….
Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy – his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) – in a coastal town in Florida. Frank’s plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old’s mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank’s formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary’s landlady and best friend. Jenny Slate is Mary’s teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well.
This comedy-drama manages to be both funny and moving. This film took my family on an unexpected emotional journey. On several occasions, we laughed and cried.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
This unconventional family goes through a heart wrenching custody battle with Mary’s maternal grandmother Evelyn, (Lindsay Duncan). Frank’s mother wants Mary to attend an elite school for the gifted. Frank on the other hand, wants his niece to have balance and live a normal life.
Webb’s cast is sensational… These two costars had an adorable bond on and off screen. They giggled when they talked about their behind the scenes shenanigans.
McKenna Grace said, “One of the funnest scenes for me was whenever me and Octavia were singing and dancing in her house.” She was very smart, sweet, and spunky! (much like her on-screen character).
Mary’s teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate) becomes deeply concerned for Mary and Frank. Jenny Slate is appealing in her role. She eventually finds herself drawn to her student’s hunky guardian Frank.
(Octavia Spencer) Frank and Mary’s neighbor helps raise Mary (McKenna Grace). She is kind hearted and funny. (love her)
Octavia expressed why she was inclined to take this role. “I really loved this beautiful story about an unconventional family surrounding this brilliant little girl.”
There is a lot of heart in this unique story, and the performances in this film are terrific.
Chris Evens said, ” I think the theme in this film is kind of rooted in parents that can be overbearing. That kind of in some degree, live vicariously through their children, and the rebellion that can happen as result of that dynamic.” This superhero brilliantly executed this role as a father.
As a mother, I found this movie to be very endearing and it also had a very profound message. I truly loved this film and think you will too!
